As part of our #AxeSafetyTax campaign, we’ve launched a survey to find out how much the general public knows about gas safety in the home, and discover where we may be able to help in educating on lesser-known areas.

This survey is anonymous and only takes a couple of minutes to fill in. We would really appreciate your feedback in helping to get a clearer picture of what is and isn’t known about this very important topic.

http://safetytax.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/gas-2.jpeg24483264Sarah Lowehttp://safetytax.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/logo.pngSarah Lowe2018-02-26 14:16:472018-02-27 13:01:27How much do you know about gas safety in your home?

The UK Association of Letting Agents (UKALA) has pledged its support for the #AxeSafetyTax campaign.

UKALA offers a single, unified voice for the private rented sector, working together with the National Landlords Association (NLA) to represent the interests of letting and management agents in the UK, whilst also safeguarding the interests of both landlords and tenants.

The Axe Safety Tax initiative to abolish VAT on all safety products and services that go into UK homes was unveiled at a House of Commons breakfast event.

The Government is being urged to scrap the 20% tax on a range of products including fire alarms, carbon monoxide detectors, gas safety checks, fire doors and fire extinguishers.

Mike Amesbury, MP for Weaver Vale & Member of the Communities and Local Government Select Committee, said it was vital landlords supported the “lifesaving” initiative.

He said: “We are all aware of the tragic consequences of fires in housing blocks. We need to work together to improve safety and reduce fire risk. It is important we look at all options to make our homes safer.”

Other supporters of the Axe Safety Tax campaign include Emma Dent Coad, the MP for Kensington, whose constituency includes Grenfell Tower.

She said: “It is a total disgrace that safety products are taxed as if they are luxury items. VAT must be reduced so that everyone can afford to buy them and be safe in their homes. It’s a no-brainer.”

Celebrities including former England footballers Jamie Carragher and Robbie Fowler, the musician Midge Ure and TV personality Paddy McGuinness have also put their names to the initiative.

The gas safety technology company, Gas Tag, is behind the campaign. The Liverpool-based company’s CEO Paul Durose said: “Abolishing VAT on safety products would allow housing associations to accelerate the investment they are making in health and safety.

“Raising money in taxation from making homes safer is shameful and not a reflection of the compassionate society in which we live.”

Several leading housing associations are also backing the campaign. The VAT raised annually on safety products and inspections across the social housing sector is in excess of £200million.

Tom Dacey, Group Chief Executive at Southern Housing Group, said “The fact that safety is taxed at the maximum rate is unjustifiable. We’re backing the Axe Safety Tax campaign and we’re asking other housing associations and councils to give their backing and support it too.”

The launch was also attended by Mike Cunningham, Deputy Director, VAT & Excise, who invited campaigners to take part in further discussions over the coming weeks.

An online petition to force a debate in Parliament has been launched as part of the Axe Safety Tax campaign – please sign it here.

A teenager who suffered extensive burns in a gas explosion just three months ago has been able to leave hospital to see his favourite football club in action.

Kyle Roe defied the odds to survive the blast in his Wiltshire flat last October, which left him with 87% burns.

Family and friends launched a fundraising campaign for the Welsh Centre for Burns and Plastic Surgery at Morriston Hospital, to thank staff who have been caring for Kyle, and have made their first donation.

Another article from ITV News detailing a scary gas explosion that could have been avoided…

A woman from Leeds has thanked the ‘good samaritan’ who rescued her after a gas explosion in the building where she’d lived for 12 years.
Emergency services called to ‘explosion’ in North Leeds
Jane Fallon lost everything following the blast in Tinshill three days before Christmas.

The blast happened on the first floor, but Jane, who lived downstairs – was in the property and feared the worst.